Under-21 goalscorer Connor Wickham spoke after win over Northern Ireland

England 2-0 Northern Ireland
Under-21 International
7.30pm, Tuesday 13 November 2012
Bloomfield Road, Blackpool FC

Man of the match Connor Wickham hailed the performance of the England Under-21s' new boys after Stuart Pearce’s side defeated Northern Ireland 2-0 at Bloomfield Road.

Nick Powell, Harry Maguire, Nathaniel Chalobah, Will Hughes, Liam Moore and Benik Afobe all made their Under-21 bows as England clinched a sixth successive win for the first time in 21 years.

Wickham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, meeting captain Jordan Henderson’s delightful chipped free-kick to head home.

And debutant Afobe sealed the win 15 minutes from time, converting from the penalty spot after being hauled down inside the box.



Wickham said: The new boys fitted right in and we went out and did the job we were supposed to do.

"It was a team effort and we all played our part.”

Speaking about his goal, the forward added: “I just made sure I hit it with the other side of my head and luckily it did and it went in.

“It’s important for me to score. I had quite a few chances today and luckily one went in.

"It’s just down to me to prove to the manager that I can stake a claim in the team and keep my performances going and scoring goals.”

Watch the post-match FATV interview with Connor Wickham following his goal against Northern Ireland in the player above.

England
1 Ben Amos, 2 Adam Smith, 3 Jack Robinson, 4 Josh McEachran, 5 Andre Wisdom, 6 Tom Lees, 7 Tom Ince, 8 Jordan Henderson (c), 9 Connor Wickham, 10 Nick Powell, 11 Andros Townsend
Subs: 12 Nathaniel Clyne, 13 Jason Steele, 14 Liam Moore, 15 Harry Maguire, 16 Nat Chalobah, 17 Will Hughes, 18 Martyn Waghorn, 19 Benik Afobe, 20 Sam Johnstone

Coach: Stuart Pearce
Goals: Connor Wickham 45, Benik Afobe (p) 75